Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has filed criminal charges against a power-generating set company, Mikano International Limited.
The agency, in a statement signed by its acting chief executive, Mr Adamu Abdullahi, said the charges were filed on Friday, March 8, 2024, at a court in Abuja.
It accused Mikano of obstructing an investigation of its activities, especially in the area of generator importation, manufacturing, assembly, and distribution.
FCCPC said its decision to look into the operations of the firm was prompted by credible intelligence and preliminary inquiries suggesting potential infringements of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
According to the consumer protection body, “The aim is to address concerns regarding untoward behaviour and business practices within the industry, such as pricing discrepancies, the presence of multiple or duplicitous equipment models, and potential coordination between companies.”
“The commission seeks to gather evidence to ascertain any violations of the law and ensure fair competition and consumer protection within the generator market,” it added.
The FCCPC explained that on December 16, 2022, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order and search warrant empowering it to execute a search on multiple generator companies.
It stated that the court, having been satisfied that there was adequate information to show untoward behaviour and business practices by certain companies requiring further investigation, issued the order.
However, as its officials attempted to carry out the court directive, Mikano allegedly blocked its way, raising suspicion that the company had something to hide.
The agency said the charges against Mikano are with respect to its actions during the execution of the search warrant, which it “considers an obstruction of justice and a lawful investigation; and failure to comply with legitimate requests to frustrate the investigation.”
“The charges allege violations of Sections 28(5), 33, 110 and 111 of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) which provide and mandate companies to comply and be transparent in investigative procedures,” it stated.
“The commission is strongly committed to ensuring compliance and transparency in the enforcement of the law.
“The commission recognizes the prevailing hardship being experienced by consumers and business operators, and as such reiterates that compliance with the law, and lawful requests under the law are vital to economic and market stability and protection of consumers.
“The commission will continue to enforce the law fairly and humanely for both consumers and businesses, but will not tolerate any action by any that weakens the regulatory framework or encourages others to violate the law as that leads to exploitation of consumers,” the statement added.
